"Innovative"
and "refreshing" were some of the words heard to describe the new
plans for East Biloxi; others who attended Tuesday's meeting said they just
want residents back instead of a golf course and more casinos.Students
from Mississippi State University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
presented their proposals for rebuilding the northeast corner of the Back Bay
and Point Cadet at the Salvation Army dome. The project they'd worked on since
January explained how maximizing wetlands and bayous and minimizing development
in those areas will benefit the city.

"We
didn't necessarily say 'don't build'

" in
certain low-lying areas, said MIT graduate student Molly Mowery. Their intent
is for the city to look at these areas and consider leaving them undeveloped.

One of the
most innovative of the students' ideas is to move the connector road from the
proposed locations on Pine or Oak
Street east to the waterfront. This final link of
the loop around East Biloxi they termed "Casino Boulevard,"
and said it would follow the waterfront then turn west of Palace Casino before
connecting to U.S. 90.

"Part
of the reason to create this loop connector is to give access to casinos,"
said MIT student Kathleen Ziegenfuss. The elevated
road would be built to the same level as elevated entrances to proposed casinos
in that area and provide space underneath for parking. A Ferris wheel and a
natural beach between the road and the water would to "provide relief from
the buildings and density," said Ziegenfuss,
along with a mini-golf course, driving range and open space to the west of the
casinos.

"It's
the type of space that could be looked after by the casinos as opposed to the
city," she said.

They also
looked at whether the location of the waterfront road would have an impact on
the 800-foot rule for onshore casinos. "Our understanding is any right of
way that you create, road or public access, would be excluded," Ziegenfuss said.

There are
also plans for a grocery store, and a mixture of affordable multifamily housing
and upscale waterfront homes.

"I
think it's a great effort," said Biloxi
resident Mike Hutter, although he would like to see
cooperation between the students and the groups planning to develop commercial
areas on Pine and Oak Streets.

Councilman
Bill Stallworth liked the idea of moving the road to
the east and making it a scenic boulevard. "This becomes a place for
residents and tourists alike. The challenge is to get something going."

With the
students' design, "The waterfront belongs to the public," said David
Hardy of Guild Hardy Architects. The students looked at other plans and brought
a fresh approach, he said. "I'm thoroughly impressed," and he would
like to see some of their plans included in Biloxi's comprehensive plan. "It would
be a true loss to not take advantage of it."

Plan
highlights

Connect opportunities along the
waterfront by sharing amenities and access.Increase housing for both local and
seasonal residents.